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SOC ACE Newsletter: September 2023 |
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Welcome to the debut newsletter from the Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence research programme (SOC ACE)!
Our aim is to generate rigorous research that engages directly with policy and practice in order to uncover more feasible options to tackle serious organised crime (SOC), illicit finance, kleptocracy and corruption. By putting political analysis at the heart of our research approach, SOC ACE helps to demonstrate the role that research can play in making more politically feasible options more visible to reformers. Visit our website for more on SOC ACE. |
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This month’s newsletter includes: New strategic framework for countering organised crime Evidence on organised crime actors and peace processes State capture and kleptocracy in South Africa Sanctions evasion in Georgia and Kazakhstan Russian illicit finance, economic crime and foreign policy Colombia’s Total Peace policy
Each month, we’ll be showcasing our latest research, news and events. Join us on this journey and subscribe to our monthly newsletter. |
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SOC ACE Spotlight: Russia |
SOC ACE researchers have been sharing new research on Russia, illicit finance and sanctions with policymakers, civil society and academics over the past few weeks. Some highlights from our engagement include: Expert Briefings on Prigozhin’s impact on Russian foreign policy: We recently delivered two expert briefings for officials bringing together Professor David Lewis (University of Exeter), Professor Mark Galeotti (UCL & Mayak Intelligence) and Professor Kimberly Marten (Barnard College/Columbia University). Our discussions focussed on the potential implications of Prigozhin's mutiny and subsequent death on Russian stability and its policies in Africa and the Middle East. Peer-to-Peer Exchange on Russian sanctions: Dr Alexander Kupatadze (Kings College London) and Dr Erica Marat (National Defense University) presented their research discussing how sanctions against Russia are reshaping illicit markets and smuggling networks, providing valuable insights into this complex issue. SOC ACE Workshop: "New dynamics in illicit economies and conflict after the Russian invasion of Ukraine”. We organised a workshop at the Conflict Research Society (CRS) Annual Conference exploring new research from the SOC ACE programme and working with colleagues from academia, policymaking, civil society and the private sector to identify new data and methodology gaps and opportunities, implications of the research for strategy and policymaking and an emerging research agenda. Podcast on Russian sanctions evasion: In Season 5, Ep.1 of KCL’s ‘WORLD: we got this’ podcast, Dr Alexander Kupatadaze (KCL Russia Institute) shares his new research with Dr Erica Marat (National Defense University) which reveals how Russia is outmanoeuvring Western sanctions thanks to help from neighbouring countries and the “implicit approval” of producers in the West. Listen Now
Some of the research discussed at our events is available to read now below, with more coming soon! |
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New SOC ACE research project |
 | Negotiating with criminal groups: Colombia’s Total Peace policy
Despite the signature of a peace process in 2016, Colombia still faces continued violence from multiple armed and criminal groups.
Colombia’s approval and implementation of the 'Total Peace’ policy, which allows the government to negotiate with armed and criminal groups to reduce violence and protect life, provides a unique opportunity to conduct research on ongoing negotiations.
Our latest project aims to feed into the growing literature on negotiations with criminal groups, inform national and subnational debates regarding negotiations with criminal groups, and to influence policy and programming by providing time-sensitive recommendations applicable to the ongoing implementation of the Total Peace policy. | |
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Latest SOC ACE publications |
| Economic Crime & Illicit Finance in Russia’s Occupation Regime in Ukraine
Prof David Lewis (University of Exeter) September 2023
In September 2023, Russia maintained control over approximately 17% of Ukrainian territory through a combination of repression, violence, and illicit economic activity. This report delves into Russia's economic activities in these occupied territories…Keep reading |
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A Framework for countering organised crime: strategy, planning & the lessons of irregular warfare.
Dr David Ucko & Dr Thomas A. Marks (National Defense University) September 2023
Building on research linking characteristics of irregular warfare and organised crime, this report adapts the ‘Framework of Analysis and Action’ to present a practical method of strategic planning for countering organised crime – a framework derived from the College of International Security Affairs (CISA)…Keep reading |
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| Organised crime as irregular warfare: strategic lessons for assessment and response
Dr David Ucko & Dr Thomas A. Marks (National Defense University) September 2023
Earlier this month, Dr David Ucko and Dr Thomas A. Marks published their journal article, which is based on initial research produced for SOC ACE. It details the overlap between OC and IW; six lessons from 20 years of IW; and their relevance for countering organised crime…Keep reading |
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New Dynamics in Illicit Finance & Russian Foreign Policy
Dr David Lewis (University of Exeter) & Dr Tena Prelec (University of Rijeka) August 2023
This research paper provides an analytical overview of how Russian actors and proxies are using illicit financial flows (IFF) to support Russian foreign policy goals. This includes funding political interference campaigns, promoting disinformation, and supporting military operations…Keep reading |
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| Under the Radar: How Russia outmanoeuvres western sanctions with help from its neighbours
Dr Alexander Kupatadze (King’s College London) & Dr Erica Marat (National Defense University)August 2023
This paper finds that sanctions imposed on Russia following their invasion of Ukraine haven’t cut supplies to Russia, but have instead strengthened trade networks with neighbouring states, inadvertently bolstering funds for Russia’s military…Keep reading |
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Organised crime groups, criminal agendas, violence & conflict: implications for engagement, negotiations & peace processes
Huma Haider (Independent Researcher) May 2023
This paper draws from diverse interdisciplinary literature to offer insights into key questions regarding negotiations with criminal actors in peace processes. It explores when and how to engage with criminal groups, motivate negotiation, enhance…Read more |
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| State Capture & Kleptocracy in South Africa: The Case of the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Zenobia Ismail (University of Birmingham) & Robin Richards (Independent) March 2023
This study provides evidence of the detrimental impact of state capture on institutions and the public interest. The integrity of SARS as the receiver of revenue has been tarnished; this is expected to lead to…Read more |
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